Have you ever given any thought to the reason why people in London refer to their subway system as "The Tube" and not "The Pipe"? When one of our coworkers inquired about the difference between tube and pipe, neither one of us had any idea what either term meant. Because tubes and pipes are essentially the same thing—long hollow cylinders—people frequently use them interchangeably. This is because it is common practice to use these words interchangeably. However, tubes and pipes are not the same thing from the perspective of an engineer.
Definitions of the Solid Cylinder and the Hollow Cylinder
The difference lies in the method that is used to measure or specify the hollow cylinders, which is determined by the application for which they are intended, which in turn is determined by the method that is used to measure or specify the hollow cylinders. Aluminum pipe is characterized by its internal diameter (ID), which is also known as its bore. This is due to the fact that aluminum pipe is utilized for the transportation of fluids and other media. It is important to know the ID because it is used to calculate the capacity of the pipe, which is typically the aspect of the pipe that is of the utmost importance to the buyer. Knowing the ID also helps ensure that the pipe is delivered in the correct size.
It is possible to define an aluminum round tube by its outside diameter (OD), which stands for outside diameter. This is due to the fact that tube is utilized in the construction of various structures. When it comes to the application, the bore probably doesn't matter all that much, but the outside diameter (OD) almost certainly does matter quite a lot. It is essential to keep in mind that the tube does not necessarily need to be round. In point of fact, all that is meant by the term "tube" is an enclosed internal passageway. You can, for instance, purchase aluminum tubing in a variety of shapes, including round, square, and rectangular, in addition to the more common square.
Producing Pipes and Tubes Through Fabrication
If that's the case, then why not just define both the ID and the OD at the same time? The answer depends on the manufacturing processes used and where the desired location for the natural variation in the process is. Either the inside diameter of the tube's bore or the outside diameter of the tube's circumference can be consistent, but not both simultaneously. Certainly not with a very high degree of precision at the very least.
The majority of metal pipes and tubes with smaller bores are produced through a manufacturing process called extrusion. During this step of the process, the material billet is passed through a die, which ultimately results in the production of a lengthy piece that has an even cross-section throughout its length. A significant amount of aluminum is extruded because the process works the best with ductile materials. Cause and effect
When producing a pipe or tube by extrusion, the metal is compelled to wrap around a mandrel, which results in the formation of an internal passageway in the finished product. In practice, it can be difficult to keep this internal bore concentric with the OD. As a result, the wall thickness will typically vary as a direct result of this. The manufacturer can have control over either the bore or the OD, but not both at the same time.
This will accomplish two goals at once: reduce the thickness of the tube, and improve the dimensional consistency. A portion of the tube will be drawn after the extrusion process (or in some cases, instead of), which will draw out some of the tube. Drawing is very similar to extrusion in that the material is forced through a die and then over a mandrel; however, drawing involves pulling the material rather than pushing aluminum tubing through the die. Extrusion is the more common of the two processes.
Utilization of Extruded Round Pipe in a Wide Range of Industries and Applications
Heat exchangers are one of the most important applications for this material. This is because aluminum has a high thermal conductivity and is simple to weld, both of which contribute to its advantageous qualities. Because of its low weight, it is in high demand for use in solar water heating systems. These systems do not put an excessive amount of weight on a roof, so the use of lightweight materials like this one is preferred.
Utilizations and Programs That Make Use Of Extruded Tube
In the construction of buildings and other structures, extruded aluminum tube can be utilized in a wide variety of different ways to accomplish a variety of different goals. Handrails, support columns, handrails, gates, and fence posts are some examples of things that can be used as fence posts. Additionally, it is utilized in transportation applications such as trailers and other modes of transportation where weight is a concern, and it even finds its way into the conductors of electrical busses.
Components that are integral to the manufacturing of aluminum tubes and pipes
The vast majority of aluminum tubes and pipes are extruded from aluminum of grade 6061 or 6063. This accounts for the majority of the market share. This is because the materials in question have a lower propensity for becoming work-hardened, which makes it possible for the extrusion equipment to operate at a higher speed. Despite the fact that 6061 is the more durable of the two, the appearance of 6063 is generally superior to that of 6061. This is due to the fact that 6063 has a grain structure that is finer and anodizes more successfully when a colored finish is required.
Similar, but Different
Although pipe and tube both refer to hollow cylinders, as we've established, these two terms refer to two different things. Pipe is a hollow cylinder, while tube is a hollow cylinder with a hollow inside. Tube is typically utilized on the exterior, whereas pipe is typically used on the interior of a structure.
Aluminum Round Tube (CHS) Chaluminium. com offers a comprehensive selection of extruded aluminum round tube (CHS – circular hollow section) in a wide variety of sizes and grades, including architectural alloy as well as structural alloy. This selection is available in a variety of sizes.
Suppliers of aluminum round tube are able to fulfill the requirements of the Australian and New Zealand Standard 1866:1997.
Applications Used Frequently
Balustrades
Constructing and erecting various kinds of buildings
Cool rooms
Fences
Providing Industrial Mining and the Marine Environment with Louvres and Sun Protection Equipment
Facilities for Transportation and Signage
An exhaustive range of tube diameters available in aluminum
Aluminum, available in a wide range of different gradesCHS tube extrusions
Relevant Standards
The AS/NZS 1866 standard for aluminum and aluminum alloys applies to extruded rod, bar, solid, and hollow shapes. This standard was developed in Australia and New Zealand.
If you have any questions about the variety of aluminum round tube that is kept in stock at each of our locations, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Chaluminium. com location that is most convenient for you.
